tidal basin washington dc
Washington, DC

Washington, DC, capital of the United States of America, is a "biggie." The key to a fun family trip is don't try to cram too much into each day (especially in summer, which can be quite hot and humid).


National Mall - Museums
Downtown
Capitol Hill
Southwest
Memorials - Tidal Basin
Upper Northwest
DC day trips
Read our blog post: Free in Washington DC
For families Washington DC is a gold mine of places to visit – all of which are free. Our list includes National Zoo, 9 fabulous museums and the Washington Monument.
Look for eagles – The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States, and see how many places kids can spot the eagle.
Look eagles on buildings, White House China, memorials, military emblems, seal of the President of the United States, and more. When you start looking it turns up everywhere!
Rent bikes - Best (and fun) way to zip around the Tidal Basin and see all the memorials is to rent bikes. Bike paths are level, easy to ride, and much cooler than slogging by foot on a hot summer day.
Bike rentals at L'Enfant Plaza, Bike and Roll has cruisers, kid's bikes, and helmets.
Ride the metro - The Washington, DC metro is clean, well-run and a fun and easy way get around. Kids will enjoy the distinctive coffered ceilings in the subway, as well as the huge long escalators to ascend or descend from the street. Fares aren't expensive, and there's also a one day pass for unlimited travel.
Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA) - Arlington National Cemetery remembers America's war heroes, from the American Revolution to the present day, as well as astronauts, explorers, writers, doctors, presidents.
Family Hotels

Here's our own Travel for Kids list of family hotels, all styles and price ranges, convenient to fun things to do with kids in Washington DC:


Washington DC hotels
Dulles Airport hotels
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